The Internet of Things may be getting ahead of itself when it comes to security

The Internet of Things has been touted as the centerpiece of many innovative devices as it grows to encompass nearly every type of product imaginable. Already, appliances, cars and even buildings are being equipped with the capability to access Wi-Fi and wired networks. This has led to new efficiencies and data-driven opportunities for enterprises across the board.

Even as the benefits of connectivity grow more apparent, enterprises mustn’t lose sight of their security objectives. Before IoT devices and equipment make their way into routine business operations, decision makers should ensure that they are adding the layers of security necessary to incorporate these products in a safe way.

Individual devices’ security not yet up to par
According to Network​ World, Earl Perkins, research vice president at Gartner, believes that manufacturers of IoT-connected devices have put their own business goals ahead of ensuring that their products are secure from cyberattacks.

Perkins stated that this will change for the better moving forward, citing the trend of IoT device manufacturers acquiring software security firms to help shore up their products’ defenses, the news source reported. He noted that because businesses are increasingly concerned about their own cybersecurity, they will prefer solutions that come equipped with pre-loaded software-defined security measures. Essentially, it’s in the manufacturers’ best business interests to meet these needs.

Until a time arises where IoT products’ security features come standard, however, enterprises will need to be very careful about what they let connect to their networks.

IoT breeds complexity, which makes security difficult
Beyond the individual devices’ shortcomings, the IoT introduces a lot of moving parts into the network, as each individual device becomes an endpoint unto itself. These devices will be generating, receiving and transmitting data in large quantities, and while that level of interconnectivity can be a boon for business efficiency, it can also be an opportunity for hackers to break in.

Unsecured devices that have network access are easy targets for hackers who can penetrate into enterprise networks through a device. As ZDNet explained, each device that gets added to the network makes the overall structure more complex, as an individual product has its own vulnerabilities that must be accounted for by another part of the structure.

In light of this, enterprises will come to depend on cybersecurity solutions that scale and offer automated, machine-speed detection and response tools to keep up with the deluge of data and increasingly complex structure of their networks.